avoiding the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoiding the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where someone is not being honest or is deliberately not acknowledging reality. Example: "In his speech, he was clearly avoiding the truth about the company's financial struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Comity does not mean avoiding the truth," he added.

The New York Times

"But avoiding the truth does not permit the kind of reconciliation the South needs," says Mr Stevenson.

The Economist

If he is embittered by Israel's settlement policy, as he is, there is no way of avoiding the truth that the policy has been a disaster for peace.

The New York Times

And her pattern of serving her own agenda by avoiding the truth should serve as warning that her greatest commitment may be to herself.

The New York Times

He was too tired and too drunk to work, and, anyway, the sound of machinery might wake up Marco, who deserved some peaceful sleep before confronting another day of adults spouting platitudes and avoiding the truth.

The New Yorker

Most importantly, dominant groups have interests in avoiding the truth about their own injustices (Mills 2007).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He deeply opts to avoid the truth.

The New York Times - Books

Cameron can't avoid the truth: debates strip away the advantages of office.

The Guardian

You have no proof just a made up theory to avoid the truth of creation.

Independent

Finally, at the beginning of 2001, he could no longer avoid the truth.

The New York Times

Part of me still wants to avoid the truth that my friends are mothers who sometimes have abortions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "avoiding the truth", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it a conscious act of deception, a subtle form of evasion, or an outright denial?

Common error

Be direct. While euphemisms can soften the blow, they can also obscure the seriousness of "avoiding the truth". Use direct language when clarity is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoiding the truth" functions as a gerund phrase. It acts as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoiding the truth" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase describing the act of evading or suppressing facts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and usable in written English, finding common ground in contexts like News & Media. When employing the phrase, it's best to consider the specific type of avoidance you aim to convey. Also remember to consider that using direct language is better than opting for euphemisms when clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evading the truth

Focuses on skillful escape or avoidance, subtly shifting emphasis from the act to the method.

shying away from the truth

Implies hesitation or reluctance, suggesting a more timid approach to avoidance.

dodging the truth

Highlights agility in avoiding, similar to avoiding a physical object.

circumventing the truth

Emphasizes finding a way around or bypassing the truth.

suppressing the truth

Indicates a deliberate effort to keep the truth hidden or unexpressed.

obscuring the truth

Suggests making the truth unclear or difficult to perceive.

disregarding the truth

Implies a lack of attention or concern for the truth, often intentionally.

ignoring the truth

Focuses on consciously overlooking or not acknowledging the truth.

denying the truth

Suggests a firm rejection of the truth, often in the face of contrary evidence.

covering up the truth

Focuses on actively concealing or hiding the truth from others.

FAQs

What does "avoiding the truth" mean?

The phrase "avoiding the truth" refers to the act of deliberately trying not to acknowledge, confront, or reveal factual information. It implies an intention to evade or escape from reality or honesty.

How can I use "avoiding the truth" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician was accused of "avoiding the truth" during the investigation" or "Her strategy involved "avoiding the truth" about her past mistakes".

What are some alternatives to "avoiding the truth"?

Alternatives include "evading the truth", "shying away from the truth", "dodging the truth", or "covering up the truth", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "avoiding the truth" always a negative action?

Generally, "avoiding the truth" has negative connotations as it suggests dishonesty or a lack of integrity. However, in rare cases, it might be used to protect someone's feelings or prevent harm, though this is often viewed as a 'white lie'.